Jonny Quinn, drummer with Snow Patrol, went to London on Springboard’s first Music Programme in 1997. His placement was in an independent record company learning about the music industry. The first CD he ever played drums on was a Springboard release called Nero (We kid you not!). Many of his fellow participants from that programme got jobs in the music business. “Drummer with the best rock band in the world” – the boy did good!

Kelly Henry, Recruitment and Administration Officer with Impact Training, went to Toronto in Canada on Springboards Choices Programme in 1998.

Kelly applied for the Springboard programme as she was going through a difficult time in her life; she had just split up with her partner and had very low self-esteem. She had not worked since having her child in 1994 and as a result didn’t know how to get back into the work environment, she was looking for a change of direction. Through the course she made friends with people from both sides of the community. Kelly also thoroughly enjoyed her stay in Canada as this gave her the opportunity to experience a different way of life and integrate into a different culture. The course helped build her confidence and become a great deal more independent. On completion of the course she started applying for jobs and very soon after completing the course was offered employment with Impact Training as a receptionist. She still works for Impact Training however she has been promoted to her current role and is currently doing her NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance.

Gabrielle Nellis, Suicide Prevention Coordinator with NHSSB, went to Liverpool on Springboard’s Youth and Community Programme in 1999. She had a variety of placements in Belfast and Liverpool including Gingerbread NI, The National Schizophrenic Fellowship (now Rethink), Brunswick Youth Club and Venus Young Women’s Centre.

Gabrielle’s interest for youth work stems from her personal experiences, her brother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and attempted suicide whilst a friend succeeded in their suicide attempt. These experiences lead her to become an international volunteer working with young people with behavioural and learning difficulties. As Gabrielle had failed her A-Levels she knew she needed qualifications to pursue her career in Youth and Community work, hence submitted her application for a Springboard Programme. Gabrielle went on to complete a degree in Youth Work and has continued to develop her skills in this area. Gabrielle feels that the programme played a pivotal role in developing her values and beliefs. This has lead her to become more self-aware and more respective of other peoples opinion.

Jessica Laird, Concession Manager for Whistles (House of Frazer Belfast), started her time at Springboard with the Directions UK Programme in 2004. She then went on to do the Youth and the Community Programme, which went to Toronto and had a placement in Progress Place Rehabilitation.

Jessica had initially applied for the Youth in Community Programme but having talked to the Springboard staff it was agreed that the Directions programme would fulfil her immediate needs. Jessica had looked at Springboard as a way to develop both socially and personally. She was aware that she lacked confidence and many other skills that she would require to succeed in the future. After having successfully completed the Directions Programme she went on to do the Youth and Community Programme. Through this programme she gained an insight into Youth Work especially in regards to Mental Health. Aside from acquiring professional skills Jessica learnt more about whom she was and what she wanted to do with her life. She increased her confidence and her self-belief by delivering workshops within the programme. She has now brought these skills plus many more to her new job, which requires her to deal with the public and her staff assertively whilst maintaining a professional manner.